In a moment that perfectly blended Hollywood glamour with political theatre, Jimmy Kimmel turned Donald Trump's criticism of the Oscars into the night's standout comedy segment. The late-night host, returning for his fourth stint hosting the Academy Awards, found himself the target of the former president's ire during Sunday's ceremony.
With the A-list audience still buzzing from the evening's proceedings, Kimmel was handed a phone by co-host Molly McNearney. What followed was a masterclass in improvisational comedy that left the Dolby Theatre crowd in stitches.
The On-Air Reading That Stole the Show
"I'm just checking to see if maybe I just got a text or something," Kimmel quipped, before revealing the source of the interruption. "Actually, I have. I've been told we have to read this."
The message in question? A scathing review from Trump himself, posted to his Truth Social platform. Kimmel read the entire post verbatim: "Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars. His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be."
The audience reacted with a mixture of gasps and laughter as Kimmel continued through Trump's complaints about the show's pacing and his suggestion that Kimmel should have immediately presented Best Picture to end the broadcast early.
Kimmel's Devastating Comeback
After finishing the reading, Kimmel paused, allowing the absurdity of the situation to sink in. Then came the punchline that brought the house down.
"Well, thank you, President Trump," Kimmel said, barely containing his smile. "Thank you for watching, I'm surprised you're still up. Isn't it past your jail time?"
The remark referenced Trump's ongoing legal troubles and elicited roaring applause from the celebrity audience, including stars like Margot Robbie and Guillermo del Toro who were seen laughing enthusiastically.
A History of Political Jousting
This isn't the first time Kimmel has used his platform to engage with Trump. The host has built a reputation for sharp political commentary alongside his comedy, particularly during Trump's presidency.
What made this exchange particularly notable was its spontaneity. Unlike prepared monologue jokes, this was real-time engagement with criticism from one of the most controversial figures in American politics.
The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents from this year's Oscars, dominating social media conversations and proving that even at Hollywood's most glamorous night, politics is never far from the surface.
